The Hoeryong model: how a sleepy N. Korean town experienced an economic boom | NK News
NK News Logo
December 19, 2024

NK News is hiring

Evergreen

The Hoeryong model: how a sleepy N. Korean town experienced an economic boom

The 1990s saw the border city become a hub of private enterprise - and many got rich

It is widely understood among Korea watchers that towns in the North lucky enough to be situated near the Chinese border tend to be the most prosperous. The richest of these towns, Sinuiju and Rason, are reputed to be more or less equal to Pyongyang in terms of the per capita income enjoyed by their inhabitants.

Less prominent urban areas have also benefited greatly from flourishing trade with China. In this regard, the city of Hoeryong is no exception.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.